Summer 2010

 

A Distinction for a Remote BLM Parcel by Craig Flentie, Central Montana District   A BLM parcel about 12 miles north of Winnett, Mont., was recently listed on the National Register of Historic Places because of its military contributions to the United States during a time when much of the world was at war.   [Read full story]

BLM Law Enforcement Ranger Named “TOP COP” by Craig Flentie, Central Montana District   BLM Law Enforcement Ranger Alexandra Burke of the Glasgow Field Office, was recently honored by President Obama during a Rose Garden ceremony at the White House for her selection as one of the recipients of the prestigious 2009 TOP COP Award.  [Read full story]

Landscapes of the American Spirit by Mary Apple, Montana State Office This year marks the 10th anniversary of BLM’s National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS). The NLCS contains some of the West’s most spectacular landscapes.  It includes over 886 federally recognized areas and approximately 27 million acres of national monuments, national conservation areas, wilderness areas, wilderness study areas, wild and scenic rivers, national scenic and historic trails, and conservation lands of the California Desert.   [Read full story]

Dogged Work Brings Rare Honor for Scout by Zach Benoit, Billings Gazette In the past five years, only two Montana Boy Scouts have received the William T. Hornaday Award, and only 1,100 nationwide have earned it since 1917.  For nearly a year’s worth of conservation education and projects, Scott Robertson [of Billings], 12, joined that exclusive club on March 25, 2010.  Described by the Boy Scouts of America as “an Olympic medal bestowed by the Earth,” Hornaday Awards are given to Scouts who commit a substantial amount of time to conservation through earning merit badges and completing conservation projects. [Read full story]

BLM, PPL Celebrate Land Exchanges on Hauser Lake by David Abrams, Butte Field Office   As a chilly wind blew in off Hauser Lake, the small crowd huddled under the pavilion at White Sandy Recreation Site. The weather couldn’t dampen their spirits, however—they were there to celebrate the ceremonial transfer of a strip of land from landowners Dave and Shelli Hoerning to the BLM’s Butte Field Office.  [Read full story]

Lovell Man Wins National Volunteer Award by Greg Albright, Montana State Office Last February when BLM’s national office sent out a call for nominations for the annual “Making a Difference” volunteer awards, it was a no-brainer for Wild Horse Specialist Jared Bybee and Billings Field Manager Jim Sparks. Three years ago, Matt Dillon, director of the Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Center in Lovell, Wyo., approached the BLM about volunteering and doing some data sharing. BLM jumped at the idea that has flourished since its inception. [Read full story]

Missoula Field Office Awarded For Fuels Project At Ghost Towns David Abrams, Western Montana District   The BLM’s Missoula Field Office recently received one of three bureau-wide awards for its hazardous fuels reduction work at Garnet and Coloma ghost towns.  The National Fire Management Award recognizes “individuals or groups who have substantially advanced resource management through collaboration, the integration of programs, and accomplishment of interdisciplinary management objectives to improve land health.”   [Read full story]